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Childhood Immunization Schedule

Please note that the following services may not be covered benefits under your plan. Call the Member Services number on your ID card to verify coverage.

Childhood Immunization Calendar  Use this tool to calculate the due dates for your child's shots.

Birth to 23 Months

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP): at 2, 4 and 6 mos., and once between 15 and 18 mos.

  • Hepatitis B (Hep B): soon after birth and before hospital discharge; 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after 1st dose; 3rd dose at least 16 weeks after 1st dose and at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose; last dose (3rd or 4th) after age 6 mos.

  • H. influenzae type b (Hib): at 2, 4 and 6 mos., and once between 12 and 15 mos.

  • Polio (IPV): at 2 and 4 mos., and once between 6 and 18 mos.

  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): once between 12 and 15 mos.

  • Varicella (chickenpox): first dose between 12 and 18 mos; second dose may be given any time between the 1st birthday and age 6 years, provided at least 28 days have elapsed since the 1st dose

  • Pneumococcal (pneumonia): at 2, 4 and 6 mos., and once between 12 and 15 mos.

  • Influenza (flu): children age 6-23 months are encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine

  • Hepatitis A (Hep A): all children age 1 year (12-23 months); 2 doses at least 6 months apart

  • Rotavirus (RotaTeq): at 2,4, and 6 months; first dose by 12 weeks of age and all doses by 32 weeks of age

Ages 2 to 9

  • Hepatitis A: once until age 18 in selected areas

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis: once between ages 4 and 6

  • Hepatitis B: 3-dose series, if not given in infancy

  • Polio (IPV): once between ages 4 and 6

  • Measles, mumps, rubella: once between ages 4 and 6

  • Pneumococcal: 24-59 months for high-risk groups

  • Influenza: yearly if your child is at high risk or if you want to reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu

  • Meningococcal (meningitis): between ages 2-10 years

  • Varicella: second dose may be given any time between the 1st birthday and age 6 years, provided at least 28 days have elapsed since the 1st dose

Ages 10 to 20

  • Hepatitis A: once until age 18 in selected areas

  • Reduced diphtheria toxoid & acellular pertussis (Tdap): recommended for age 11-12 years who completed childhood series, and for age 13-18 years who missed the 11-12 year Td/Tdap booster; then Td booster every 10 years

  • Hepatitis B: 3-dose series, if not given in childhood

  • Meningococcal (meningitis): once between ages 11 and 18

  • Measles, mumps, rubella: once by age 11-12**

  • Pneumococcal: once beginning at age 2 for high-risk groups

  • Influenza: yearly if your child is at high risk or if you want to reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu

  • Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV): 1st dose of series to girls at age 11-12 years, 2nd dose 2 months after the 1st, and 3rd dose 6 months after the 1st;  vaccination may be administered to females ages 13-26 years if not previously vaccinated

** Recommended ages if previous doses were missed or given earlier than the recommended minimum age. Children and adolescents who haven’t begun the HepB series should begin the series at any visit.

CareFirst Resources

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is the shared business name of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc., which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
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